18/10/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
THE regional Ministry for the Interior announced yesterday that it is putting the finishing touches to its latest Safety Strategy to help protect those who engage in underwater activities such as diving and subsea fishing.

The crystal clear waters around the Balearic Islands are a temptation for enthusiasts to forget the risks of engaging in subaquatic sports. A ministry spokesman said that tragic accidents sometimes occur because people don't take basic precautions.

The key to the success of the Safety Strategy which is due to be presented in full by the end of the week, lies in facilitating the fastest possible response by the emergency services to underwater accidents, enabling skilled personnel to save lives. No less than 276 underwater incidents were recorded in Balearic waters last year - paramedics succeeded in reviving 47 people who had nearly drowned, 36 of these on Majorca.. Balearic Coastguard services separately registered 208 incidents, 158 of which happened on Majorca. The Security Plan will mean the involvement and commitment of the government's Sea and Fishing departments, the Balearic Federation of Subaquatic Sports, the Divers' Association and “112” Emergency Services.